For United Methodists, studying the Bible is a foundational practice that helps us grow in our relationship with God and understand how to live out our faith in the world. We believe that scripture is the primary source and standard for Christian doctrine. It helps us discern God’s will, provides guidance for our lives, and challenges us to embody Christ’s love for the world.
Bible study is not just about learning ancient stories, but about discovering how those stories speak to the real-world challenges we face today. Whether we’re reading about compassion, forgiveness, or justice, the timeless truths in scripture continue to shape our journey of faith. Together, as a community, we learn, question, and grow—seeking to hear God's voice in every season of life.
The reading materials we will be using at our next gathering on Wednesday, Feb 12 from 6-8 pm are shared below.
In light of the conversations happening around us - on the news, in our communities, and perhaps even in our own families - our next study will focus on an important and timely topic: Gender & Matters of Gender Identity. This is a subject that touches on theology, culture, and our understanding of what it means to be created in the image of God. As we open scripture together, our goal is not to rush to conclusions but to create a “space of curiosity, not a space of judgment” (a quote from one of our readings that I found helpful). Whether you come with deep questions, personal experiences, or simply a desire to learn, your presence makes this gathering richer - and I look forward to navigating this conversation with you all, trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead us in wisdom, compassion, and faith.
Articles/Reports: (Click the links to view online or email Pastor Phil to receive .pdf versions)
- United Methodist mother of trans child shares story - (https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodist-mother-of-trans-child-shares-story) Heather Gee-Thomas shares her deeply personal journey as a United Methodist mother raising a transgender son. She recounts his early signs of gender identity, the severe bullying and mental health struggles he endured, and how gender-affirming care saved his life. Initially, her conservative husband struggled, but a pivotal realization helped him fully support their son. Heather condemns Tennessee’s anti-trans laws, emphasizing the harm they cause. Her church, Glendale UMC, has been a vital source of support and advocacy. She urges Christians to stand against misinformation and affirm the dignity of transgender individuals as an act of Christ’s love.
- Some Conservative Christians Are Stepping Away From the Gender Wars – (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/17/us/conservative-christian-transgender-religion.html?unlocked_article_code=1.tE4.vvLD.vscgGDL228E2&smid=url-share) This article explores how some conservative Christians are stepping away from rigid gender debates and instead seeking understanding. Through personal stories - like that of Andrew and Debbie James, who initially struggled with their transgender daughter’s identity but ultimately embraced her - the piece highlights a growing movement of curiosity over judgment. Figures like psychologist Julia Sadusky encourage Christians to engage with gender identity through conversation rather than condemnation. In an environment where the culture wars often demand certainty, these individuals are choosing to live in the tension, asking questions instead of issuing verdicts.
- Transgender Kansans urge lawmakers to reject bill banning gender-affirming care for youth - (https://www.kcur.org/2025-01-28/transgender-kansans-urge-lawmakers-to-reject-bill-banning-gender-affirming-care-for-youth) At a tense Kansas Statehouse hearing, transgender Kansans and allies urged lawmakers to reject a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors, emphasizing its life-altering stakes. Personal testimonies, like those of high school students and legal advocates, underscore how such care is not only affirming but life-saving. Supporters of the ban, including think tanks and detransition activists, framed treatments as dangerous and experimental. As lawmakers push forward with an expanded majority, many trans Kansans fear for their futures, questioning whether they can remain in a state that refuses to recognize their right to exist as they are.
In moving into reading Holy Scripture, as always, these topics/issues/matters that we’re exploring are not tasks/problems that we are trying to solve in one night, but the goal here is to simply be open to the guidance and movement of the Holy Spirit in our reading of the Bible. We are not trying to immediately reach a destination so much as we are simply seeking to reorient ourselves to begin moving in God’s direction.
Our continuing prayer as we read Scripture: O Lord, may your Holy Spirit provide wisdom and guidance as we seek to learn your will. Illuminate these texts and speak to us. Let our hearts, minds, and eyes be opened by your love, grace, and mercy - and may we see Christ, both in these words and in our world. Amen.
Scripture Lessons
- Old Testament Readings:
- Genesis - Chapters 1 & 2
- Isaiah 56:1-8
- Psalm 139:1-18
- Gospel Readings:
- Matthew 19:1-12
- Luke 8:40-48
- John 9:1-41
- New Testament Readings:
- Acts 8:26-39
- Galatians 3:23-29
- James 2:1-13
Questions for us to ponder as we read:
- At the heart of the Gospel is a call to love God and love our neighbor. What does true, Christ-like love look like when we engage in conversations about gender and identity?
- If we truly believe that all people are made in the image of God, what does that require of us in how we see, treat, and advocate for others—especially those whose experiences differ from our own?
- When we read about people on the margins - like the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8) or the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8) - what do we learn about how God’s kingdom embraces those who don’t fit into easy categories?
- Jesus constantly disrupted societal norms to draw people into God’s love. What norms or assumptions might we need to rethink in order to follow his example more faithfully?